Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan said in Beijing Thursday that
China will work with Kazakhstan to increase cooperation in defense
and security.
Cao, also vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and
state councilor, was speaking in a meeting with Kazakhstan's first
deputy defense minister and chairman of the joint chiefs of staff
B. Darbekov.
Cao said China and Kazakhstan, as friendly neighbors and
strategic partners, enjoy fruitful cooperation in trade, energy,
transport, security and culture, with concrete benefits for both
peoples.
Military relations have developed soundly with group exchanges
and personnel training and the Chinese government is ready to
expand relations, Cao said.
Cao said China will work with Kazakhstan to increase cooperation
in defense to safeguard security and stability in the region and to
extend the two countries' strategic partnership.
Darbekov, who attended the defense ministers meeting of the
Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) here on Wednesday, praised
the Chinese government's efforts in hosting the meeting.
He said he appreciated China's assistance for Kazakhstan, saying
China will remain a good friend and neighbor.
At Wednesday's meeting, defense ministers from Kazakhstan,
China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan agreed to
enhance defense cooperation and to stage a joint anti-terrorist
military exercise in Russia in 2007.
(Xinhua News Agency April 27, 2006)
